Midland Group
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The Midland Group
The Midland Group of the Gauge One Model Railway
Association was initially set up in the early 1980’s to design and build our
exhibition layout ‘Stanley Midland’. Over the years, this has grown
considerably, and now has two live steam circuits, a comprehensive steaming bay
and many other features, including fully functioning water towers. In addition
to this another layout has come on stream, “Midsomer Norton,” which apart
from the features of “Stanley Midland” caters for electric powered loco’s.
Where floor space is restricted at exhibitions we have a display stand complete
with video player in order to give the general public a flavour of Gauge One, so
to speak.
A view of the 'Thompson Halt' layout at the annual Midland Group January indoor GTG in Birmingham
The highlight of the Midland Group year is the annual
Midland Model Engineering Exhibition. The layout is organised and run by Midland
Group members, with assistance from the national Gauge One Model Railway
Association. Each year well over 50 operators, and more than a 100 locomotives
are in action over six days of the show.
This superb live-steam LNER/BR Thompson K1 2-6-0 Mogul was built by Bob Ashton
The Midland Group is not just for the Model Engineering
Exhibition though. We have an AGM and an indoor running session in January, plus
a full calendar of summer events at various garden railways belonging to our
members. A comprehensive insurance scheme is also run for our members’
engines.
Two drivers attend to their engines during a Midland Group indoor GTG
For newcomers to Gauge 1, members of the Association have
designed a LMS Class 4F steam 0 - 6 - 0 (called the Project) which has been
built by many enthusiasts as a first venture in steam. A group of Midland
members have also built a 4F specifically for members who would like to try
running the engine before taking the plunge. Another group have developed radio
control systems for battery powered models which run alongside steam on most
layouts.
A magnificent live-steam Somerset & Dorset Railway 7F 2-8-0 pictured on the 'Thomson Halt' turntable
The current Midland Group Annual subscription is £2.00 and
membership is open to members of the national Gauge One Model Railway
Association.
